Judge sentences man to 20 years for murder in Port Arthur

Judge John Stevens has sentenced Otis John Babino Jr. to 20 years in prison for the murder of Jeffery Richardson.

The body of the 31-year-old victim was found in December 2016 at Timber Creek Apartments. He'd been shot once in the chest.

The judge sentenced the 37-year-old suspect Monday.

The Jefferson County District Attorney's Office released the following statement:

Richardson’s body was found in his apartment by a friend after he failed to show for work on December 16, 2017. He had been shot one time in the chest. A friend who had been receiving texts from the victim gave officers the name of Babino.

Babino fled the scene but turned himself in after learning the police were looking for him. Babino admitted to shooting the victim due to a disagreement over events during a drunken night at the victim’s apartment. Murder is normally a first degree felony punishable by 5 years to 99 years, to life in the penitentiary and a fine up to $10,000.00. During the sentencing, it was agreed by the parties that the shooting arose from sudden passion arising from adequate cause. Under the law, this limits the punishment from 2 years to 20 years in the penitentiary and a fine up to $10,000.00.

This case was investigated by the Port Arthur Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Mike Laird.

Prosecutor Mike Laird stated, “The police did a great job tracking down all relevant evidence in this case. The number of these cases is growing out of control. I admire their tenacity.”